Lauryn Hill, who plays Norfolk Feb. 12, has recently left a trail of grumbling fans

There was a time when hip-hop queen Lauryn Hill could do no wrong. She was a star of the group The Fugees. Her 1998 solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was hailed as a modern masterpiece. Even today, with her biggest triumphs more than 10 years behind her, she's frequently described as one of the most gifted pop vocalists of her generation — a great rapper with a potent, soulful singing voice.

Recent reports of problematic performances suggests that some of the glitter has worn off her sparkling image.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you plan to go see her at The NorVa in Norfolk on Saturday, Feb. 12.

No. 1: She's likely to go on late. The NorVa's website lists showtime as 11 p.m. and fans shouldn't be surprised if Hill doesn't sing until even later. Looking at accounts of her shows over the past few months, it's clear that many of them got started around midnight — to the dismay of her audience.

At a Brooklyn, N.Y., concert in December, a few fans became so irritated waiting for the show to start they made signs reading "You Just Lost One," and "This Is Insulting."

In Atlanta last month, a number of fans reportedly walked out after Hill took her time getting to the stage. Rick Mersel, with The NorVa, said the blame should go to venues who didn't warn fans of Hill's night-owl habits. "The shows didn't start late, the venues opened their doors early so they could milk their bars. I guarantee you that's what happened."

No. 2: The singer wants to be addressed as Ms. Lauryn Hill. Apparently, the courtesy title is not optional.

No. 3: When she finally performs, songs won't sound much like her recordings. Hill is traveling with a large band. Three guitarists, three keyboardists and three backing singers were part of her Brooklyn gig. That big band took some liberties with Hill classics, including tunes from her old band The Fugees and "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."

"Rarely did they hew close to the songs' original arrangements," wrote New York Times critic Jon Caramanica, describing the Brooklyn show. "'Lost Ones' was beaten into a 1970s rock anthem, belligerent and scraped. 'To Zion' was recast in a Motown soul-band style. On 'How Many Mics' the assault of guitars choked her, almost obscuring her rapping altogether."

Hill has said she's ready to move in some new musical directions.

"I'm trying to open up my range and really sing more," she told NPR last year. "With The Fugees initially, and even with 'Miseducation', it was very hip-hop — always a singing over beats. I don't think people have really heard me sing out. So if I do record again, perhaps it will have an expanded context. Where people can hear a bit more."

No. 4: Having returned from a long break from performing, she's feeling empowered. Until last year, Hill had spent nearly a decade away from touring. "Time away has done nothing to diminish the 35-year-old Hill's confidence," wrote critic Dan DeLuca, describing a show last month at House of Blues in Atlantic City, N.J. "She led her aggressive band and addressed the audience imperiously, like a hip-hop Nina Simone."

No. 5. Hill has said that she took a break from performing to raise a family. "I don't know if you know this, but I have five children," she told NPR. "The youngest is 2 now, so she's old enough that I can leave her for a period of time and know she's going to be OK. That's one reason [Hill is starting to perform again]. And I think it's just time. I'm starting to get excited again. Believe it or not, I think what people are attracted to about me, if anything, is my passion. People got exposed to my passion through music and song first. I think people might realize, you know, 'We love the way she sounds, we love the music, but I think we just love how fearless she is. How boundless she is, when it comes to what she wants to do.' And I think that can be infectious."